Can David Wagner turn results around before the axe falls?

David Wagner, the head coach of Norwich City, has experienced a tough season so far, with seven losses in 14 Championship games. Following their recent defeat against Sunderland, Wagner expressed his love for his team, the club, and the city. However, there seems to be a growing concern among Norwich fans about their relationship with Wagner. Despite a decent start to the season, the Canaries have only managed one win in their last eight league matches. While injuries to their strikers have contributed to their poor form, their joint worst goals-against record in the division is also a significant factor. If they fail to win at home against Blackburn on Sunday, the atmosphere at Carrow Road could become hostile.

Radio Norfolk, like many BBC radio stations, hosts a post-match phone-in show called “Canary Call,” where fans from around the world can voice their opinions about the team. It’s a mix of passionate rants and insightful analysis. However, following the loss to Sunderland, the prevailing theme among the callers was “Wagner Out.” While it’s important to note that not all fans expressed this sentiment, it’s clear that the mood has shifted compared to previous weeks.

September was a challenging month for Norwich, as the cracks in their performance began to show. A defeat against Rotherham was overshadowed by a home win against Stoke. Even a loss to Leicester, a team bound for the Premier League, didn’t dampen the spirits too much. However, the 6-2 thrashing by Plymouth was a different story. Since then, Norwich has only managed one win, one draw, and four defeats.

Injuries to key players Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes have been a significant blow to the team. Their absence has left a void in terms of strength and speed, both in attack and defense. As former Norwich player Chris Sutton pointed out, while their injuries are unfortunate, they are not world-class strikers like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe. The loan signing of Hwang Ui-jo from Nottingham Forest looked promising on paper, but he hasn’t made much of an impact. Adam Idah has shown determination but lacks the confidence required to excel in the Championship.

Despite their shortcomings, Norwich does have quality players in their squad. Gabriel Sara and Jonathan Rowe, in particular, have caught the attention of Premier League clubs with their performances. Additionally, other players possess the necessary experience and talent to compete at the top end of the Championship. The question arises whether Wagner is effectively utilizing the resources at his disposal, and the answer seems to be no.

The impending departure of sporting director Stuart Webber, after six years at the club, adds another layer of uncertainty. His replacement, Ben Knapper, will begin his tenure later this month. The transition between the two could take months or happen quickly. It would be less than ideal to change head coaches during this period of limbo, but the club’s decision-makers may be considering it.

A victory against Blackburn on Sunday, accompanied by a strong performance, could buy Wagner more time in his role. Furthermore, with Barnes nearing full fitness, the team’s fortunes could start to change. However, as former Norwich manager Dean Smith can attest, once you lose the support of the fans, it’s only a matter of time before you’re seeking a new job.

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Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is your soccer guru, providing extensive coverage of soccer. With a global perspective, he delivers match reports, player interviews, and insights into the beautiful game, ensuring readers stay connected to the world of soccer.